BackTone
The Posture Corrector

$66.00

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Now with vibration option

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What is BackTone?

Download the BackTone flyer [58kb]

BackTone is a Posture Training Device that allows you to retrain and correct your habitual posture.

BackTone now includes a 5 second vibration option for use in noisy/discrete environments

Whenever you slouch BackTone® beeps. When you straighten up BackTone stops. Wear BackTone® for 20 minutes 2 or 3 times per day to change your posture.

Worn 2 – 3 times per day for about 20 minutes, the BackTone Posture Corrector beeps every time you slouch, alerting you to straighten up. As soon as you straighten up the beep stops. With BackTone you can correct and retrain your posture habits. BackTone now also includes a 5 second vibration option for use in noisy/discrete environments.

How does it work?

BackTone consists of a light shoulder/ waist harness with a small electronic sensor. When worn correctly, the electronic sensor is positioned on your back between your shoulder blades and your waist. When you slouch, the harness pulls on the sensor and causes it to beep - until you straighten up. Every time you slouch, BackTone beeps and reminds you to straighten up. You soon become accustomed to moving and doing things with the new posture - without having to consciously remember.

Download the BackTone flyer [58kb]

User Testimonials

Sue, Queensland

I have trialled the BackTone for four weeks, and found it very supportive.

It has helped a back pain problem I have had since 1984. I always felt posture was a problem. Since using the BackTone and improving my posture I no longer have any pain. The BackTone is a constant reminder, therefore this makes the wearer more motivated to continue the programme.

All the best, Sue.

Mel, Western Australia

I've always wanted to try something like 'BackTone' to help improve my posture but never really had the opportunity until now. For years I have suffered with neck and back ache and severe headaches and after four weeks of wearing BackTone just twice a day there has been a marked improvement. I now only suffer with occasional headaches which is great. I'm just thankful I was able to take part in the program. Thank you again for letting me try BackTone.

Sincerly,
Mel

Carol, Queensland

I hadn’t realised how many times a day I was slouching, and I know that it was adding to the physical problems I have with my lower back, knees and neck. Initially, I was bleeping away most of the time, but it didn’t take long for my brain to think “new thoughts” about how I was standing ors sitting. I’m very pleased to report a big improvement to you, which I wouldn’t have thought possible before the training programme!

Thank you once again – the BackTone really works.

Best Regards
Carol

Professional Testimonials

Jacqui Moretto - Physiotherapist

Our patients have been using BackTone for the last number of years with amazing success. As a physiotherapist I am so often teaching patients what to do to correct their posture at home and at work, but unless they have someone telling them what to do all the time they just don’t do it. That's where BackTone works. Patients have this constant reminder about posture when wearing BackTone. I used to tape my patients into good postural alignment but this needed to be done so frequently that often skin would become irritated or even result in skin tears. I teach patients lots of postural re-education exercises but patients aren’t always compliant. BackTone does it all; patients have the biofeedback which reminds them to improve their posture which in turn requires the use of muscles to maintain correct posture.

BackTone is easy to use and easy to wear. It is adjustable which enables more than one person to use it in a household or workplace. BackTone only needs to be worn for such a short time each day for a period and just occasionally. We also use it during Pilates classes as a reminder when performing exercises at a more advanced level.

Typical patients who would benefit from BackTone are the office worker, anyone who has to use a computer and complains of a sore neck or shoulders, or factory workers on factory lines. I have used BackTone for my own posture when performing computer tasks for long periods of time. I used to get headaches and tight neck muscles. With BackTone you can't help but keep good postural alignment.

Jacqui Moretto // Principal Totalphysio

Website // Totalphysio.com.au

Physiotherapist

The BackTone is an ingenious tool for postural re-training. I can thoroughly recommend it as a beneficial aid in the treatment of neck/shoulder pain and headaches. It is remarkably successful in the treatment of posture-related pain.

Chris Birtles - Occupational Therapist

Dear BackTone, I use your BackTone device with a middle aged administrative officer in a local government department. This client had developed wedging of a mid thoracic vertebrae which had been attributed in part to his poor posture (the typical poke neck, rounded shoulders and thoracic kyphosis). This gentleman developed mid thoracic pain which worsened during the day, especially with prolonged periods at his seated computer work station. His work station did not require significant adjustment - however his posture did - this chap had excellent results after using your device. He corrected his posture and his pain was significantly reduced after several weeks with the device. I found the device simple to fit, and simple to use, which is a big help with compliance.

I would recommend the BackTone to any practitioner whose goal is to improve head, shoulder and spinal posture in their clients who have correctible postural deficits.

Chris Birtles // North Coast Rehab Services, Queensland

Occupational Therapist, Queensland

This is a letter of endorsement for the product BackTone. I am an Occupational Therapist and have treated patients with complex pain conditions for 25 years. Personally, I have also used BackTone to help me manage a persistent shoulder and neck pain problem which I had tried many different therapy interventions for. Hence I can compare the BackTone and have found the following advantages:

It can be applied independently and at any time as compared to shoulder taping which needs to be applied by a health professional. It can also be adjusted by the wearer as required.
It gives immediate feedback when your body goes into the dysfunctional posture of either elevation or internally rotated (rounded shoulder) which causes increased load on the surrounding muscles.
The immediate feedback offers significant insight for the wearer as to why the pain is occurring… the 'why' being the dysfunctional posture of the shoulder. I have found that this awareness is very important to people with pain as they (and myself included) fail to get accurate body feedback about one's dysfunctional shoulder posture and hence the pain seems to come from 'nowhere' especially in the case where no accident or injury was experienced. I have found the 'unexplained pain' very worrying for patients. By applying the BackTone it becomes very obvious to the wearer the number of times over their day that their body slips into poor shoulder posture and hence compromising the surrounding muscles.
It is my experience that BackTone offers a unique posture training device… one of self correction exactly when the incorrect posture occurs.

I use the BackTone in my practice with patients with shoulder and neck pain associated with postural dysfunction.

Occupational Therapist

Queensland

BackTone's Most Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Do I need to have a BackTone Posture Corrector fitted by a health professional such as a Physiotherapist?

No; BackTone® has been designed to be a self help device that you can use at home. The instructions are quite comprehensive and in an easy to read format, and we are available on 07 5476 6715 if you wish to speak with a consultant. We do advise however if you are already under the care of a health professional that you do consult with him or her about your desire to use BackTone. We would be pleased to speak with the health professional to discuss your needs if you desire. We also advise if you have an existing medical condition relating to your neck, shoulders or back that you consult an appropriate health professional before you use a BackTone to improve your habitual posture. Feel free to refer your treating health professional to our web site www.backtone.com or to phone us on the above phone number.

Question 2: How long should I wear my BackTone for?

Your BackTone encourages you to adopt your desired posture and use muscles which may not have been used for some time, so they may tire quickly. If you experience muscle tiredness you have worn BackTone for long enough for that session. Take it off and use it again later.

Question 3: When should I use the Vibration Mode?

The Vibration mode is designed for use if you have trouble hearing or are concerned about the sound of the beep. When worn in Vibration mode, each time you trigger your BackTone by slouching, it will vibrate for 4 – 5 seconds and then stop (in order to preserve battery life).

We recommend you start your program with BackTone set to Beep mode – as the beep is continuous until you straighten up and thus has a very effective impact on your behaviour. Once you are accustomed to the way BackTone works, you can try the Vibration mode.

Question 4: I'm probably too old; will the BackTone Posture Corrector work for me?

Poor posture is often the result of poor habits and habits can be changed by regular and consistent effort. BackTone enables you to change your posture slowly but steadily. As you grow used to maintaining the posture you've determined your muscles will also change and strengthen, and it will become easier and more automatic to maintain the correct posture. Age and habits have a bearing on how quick permanent change takes place which is why we counsel 'slow but sure' and steady progress through regular wearing routines. It's never too late to achieve some degree of postural improvement.

Question 5: I have a daughter who is 14 years of age; would the BackTone Posture Corrector work for her?

Physically an adolescent experiencing rapid growth and muscle development responds well to BackTone and rapid postural improvement can take place. But simply wearing BackTone won't achieve results unless the wearer wants to improve his or her posture, and is prepared to stick with the wearing regime. First ensure your daughter is aware of the unfavourable consequences of poor posture and its effect on one's appearance and well-being. Use this web site to acquaint her with BackTone, its benefits and the wearing regime ie. 2 - 3 times per day for up to 20 minutes at a time.

BackTone does not have to be worn at school. It can be worn at times to suit the wearer and the wearing regime doesn't have to be too rigorous to get results. If your daughter commits herself to postural change and uses BackTone correctly then improvement will take place. If she is not interested in applying the proper wearing regime then her postural improvement probably won't be long lasting. Obtain her commitment first before purchasing her a BackTone.

Question 6: I've been slouching for so many years; would the BackTone Posture Corrector work for me?

One of the keys of achieving healthy posture is knowing what it feels like, and in turn training your muscles to maintain improved posture. After so many years of slouching you need a tool to help and BackTone fulfils this purpose well. The key is not to try too hard too quickly. Little steps of improvement sustained over time is preferable and gives the opportunity for your muscles and ligaments to strengthen and adapt themselves to the new posture. You will find that you will feel better and stronger with your new postural habits, and this will encourage you to continue. Our bodies are dynamic machines that can change and do not have to remain fixed in the one habitual posture for life.

Question 7: I've got a medical condition. Will the BackTone Posture Corrector work for me? ie. whiplash, neck pain, Thoracic pain, low back pain, shoulder pain, breathing difficulties eg. asthma

Everyone is different and our best advice is to involve your medical practitioner. First show him or her our web site or download the information pamphlet. Having such a medical condition doesn't preclude you from using BackTone. It is possible to achieve significant postural improvement if you apply the appropriate wearing regime and are able to physically correct your posture ie. lift your sternum and relax your shoulders. With continued practice your body's posture will improve as your muscles become accustomed to the new stance and gain in strength. BackTone will not work in all instances and for this reason it is a good idea to discuss the concepts with your medical practitioner.

Question 8: Can I wear it at work?

We recommend you wear BackTone at home in beep mode for the first 1 – 2 weeks, whilst you teach your body what to do. After you have become accustomed to using BackTone at home, trial it at work. You can use the vibration mode at work so you do not annoy your co-workers. Remember that the vibration will only last for 4 – 5 seconds at a time (in order to preserve battery life). We advise you to still continue the recommended wearing regime of up to 20 minutes per session, 2 -3 sessions per day.

We recommend you involve a qualified practitioner in using BackTone to retrain your posture at work if your work tasks involve vigorous body movements such as twisting, bending, reaching or lifting.

Question 9: Do I wear it under my clothes?

Yes you can wear it under your clothes, however BackTone was conceived to be worn over your clothes for short periods of up to 20 minutes or so. It can readily be put on and taken off to suit your wearing regime. Having it under your clothes can impede the ease of putting it on and taking it off. Some of our clients wear it over their shirt or blouse and then put a jacket over it when they go for a walk or sit at work. Whatever you find suits your personal tastes and works for you is fine.

Question 10: Can I get my money back if I am not happy with the BackTone Posture Corrector for whatever reason?

Yes you can. Though we are confident BackTone will do the job for you for which it is designed we do have a refund policy. The policy is displayed in the information brochure and the instructions which accompany the product.

It states as follows: 'You can choose between a refund, exchange or credit where your BackTone is faulty, or does not do for you what it is supposed to do - so long as it is returned within two weeks of our dispatch date.'

Question 11: My daughter is a High School student but refuses to wear her BackTone Posture Corrector at school. How can BackTone help her when she won't wear it?

The ultimate objective of BackTone is for the product to have achieved its purpose so that it is no longer needed. Once the client has achieved healthy postural habits we recommend the BackTone be worn for short periods every month to further reinforce the continuance of healthy posture. If your daughter won't wear BackTone at school she can get the same benefits by wearing it at home, sitting at her homework, or going for a walk. These occasions will develop her 'muscle memory' so that in time she will be able to improve her posture at school, even though she is not wearing BackTone in the classroom or around the school grounds.

Question 12: I have teenagers who I keep telling to straighten up and they get angry at me. How can the BackTone Posture Corrector help me change their posture?

BackTone enables them to achieve their desired posture themselves in the privacy of their own home. It takes away the need for a parent to continually 'nag' them to stop slouching; providing of course they are prepared to wear the BackTone and stick to the wearing regime. It 'beeps' when they slouch, and the only way to turn the 'beep' off is for him or her to straighten up.

Perhaps if they first appreciate the benefits of good posture the means to achieve it may be more readily accepted. The benefits of good posture are fairly self evident. The crowds in your local shopping centre present a wide variety of examples ranging from poor slumped posture to healthy erect posture. People with good posture look great, feel terrific, and appear more energetic. The end goal of achieving good posture is generally desirable for many teenagers.

There is no guaranteed method to solicit your teenager's efforts to self-correct their own posture. However BackTone is a very good start and takes away the need for the parent to have to constantly tell them to straighten up.

Question 13: Does the BackTone Posture Corrector make a good gift for a friend?

We certainly encourage you to offer BackTone to friends, family or associates who you believe would benefit from improving their habitual posture. However BackTone is not a brace. It doesn't 'strap' you up and force the wearer to maintain good posture artificially. BackTone is a warning device which is set at the wearer's desired posture, and 'beeps' when he or she slouches. The only way to turn the 'beep' off is to straighten up. So using BackTone requires some effort on the part of the wearer. If the wearer does not choose to put in the effort, or does not appreciate the need to change their posture for the better, than wearing BackTone will not work.

If you believe your friend or associate will appreciate the goal of achieving healthy postural habits and will be prepared to apply the recommended wearing regime then BackTone will make a worthwhile gift. If you aren't sure we recommend you first ask the intended recipient whether they are prepared to use BackTone to correct their habitual posture.

Question 14: Can I wear the BackTone Posture Corrector around the house while doing housework?

By all means, but you should wear BackTone for a few weeks during less vigorous tasks such as walking and sitting first. Some of the housework you do is extremely dynamic and involves repetitive twisting, bending, and turning. BackTone is not designed to correct your posture during the performance of such rigorous tasks.

Accustom yourself to using BackTone® in more sedentary jobs first such as those that involve sitting, standing and walking. Once you have become accustomed to wearing BackTone and have made some progress in correcting your habitual posture you can wear it while performing more active tasks involving lifting etc.